Terminal hook



Nov. 24, 1931. ,4, Q HERONYMUS 1,833,835

TERMINAL HOOK Filed April 2l. 1930 Patented Nov. 24, 1931 PATENT OFFICE may o. maommus, or ivoiroznrrs,v Immers i Titan-:NAL :from:l l 'i Application iiled April 21,

This invention relates to means for establishing electrical connection between cable power lines or mine track rails and the like and a conductor leading to or from apparatus in which current is utilized. The present invention deals particularly with a novel type of connector which forms the terminal of a conductive wire or cable.

Objects of the invention are: to provide an improved terminal connector having spring pressed means for edecting a clamping positive Contact of the connector with an electro-conductive member to which attachment is desired; to provide a device of this character having means for selectively rendering the same adaptable for Y connection with power cables or conductor rails and the like; and to provide a terminal connector having automatic clamping engagement with an element to which the device is attached in service.

With these and such other objects-inview as will be apparent from the description the invention resides in the novel combination,

' construction and arrangement of parts hereafter described and claimed and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings Figure 1 is an elevation of a connector made up in accordance with the invention and as applied in service position to a power cable or the like.

Figure 2 is Vsubstantially a longitudinal section through the connector as shown in Fig ure 1 but illustrating its service applicationI in connection with a railroad rail.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary elevation ofthe associated clamping elements of the connector.

Figure 4 is a section taken on the line 4--4 of Figure 2.

In detail the invention comprises a iixed jaw 10 provided at one end with a reversely inclined hook 11 disposed in anvledrelation to a iat face portion 12 with which the fixed jaw is provided. This jaw 10 is formed upon and integral with the end of a solid cylindrical shank 13 which is externally threaded inwardly `from its end to receive thereover a sleeve 14, which sleeve has a section isinrmediae as 1930. semi No. 446,919.

e' ends internally threaded for attaching engagement over the .threaded end portion of the shank 13.

At one end the sleeve 14 is formed with an annular lateral shoulder 16 which forms a retaining'iange for a hand grip member 17 made of insulating material and which is disposed over the entire external portion of the sleeve 14, preferably having a threaded engagement therewith at a threaded portion 18 formed externally on the sleeve at the end opposite the retaining flange or shoulder 16.

Extending inwardly. from the shoulder 16, the sleeve 14 is formed with a socket as at 19 which surrounds the shank 13 suiiiciently to receive therein a coiled expansion spring 20; one end of which abuts against the bottom 21 of the socket 19 and the other end of which abuts against a sliding jaw member 22 slidably and rotatably mounted over the shank 13.

The sliding jaw member 22 is formed substantially as a sleeve over which is externally threaded an insulating body 23 and the jaw member is further formed with an integral forwardly and outwardly inclined lip 24 for a purpose to be described. l

`The ixed 'aw 10 adjacent the commencement of the shank portlon 13, is formed with an inwardly directed recess or socket 25 on the side thereof opposite that occupied by the flat face area 12. For strengthening purposes the fixed jaw 10 and wedge hook 11 are provided with a continuous external reinforcing rib 26. The otlier end of the sleeve 14 is formed. with a cylindrical socket 27 which provides clearance for the reception of a conductor terminal member 28 having an internally threaded end portion 29 adapt- With the elements of the device assembled as shown in Figure 2 the connector kmay be attached to the base flange of a rail 30 as is customary in mining tunnels and the like wherein the track rails are employed as the negative side of a power ldistributionsystem.v Insuch application, the insulated handie 17 is graspe in the hand of an o erator and in the other hand the insulate cover 23 of the movable jaw is held and moved in- Wardly against the action of the spring.. 20 so that the fixed jaw may be inserted beneath the base flange of the rail and hooked thereover in themanner as shown. The movable jaw 22 is then released and the action of the spring 20 forces the jawinto clamping enagement with the base flange of the rail,

ringing the lip 24 into Wedging engagement therewith, thus assuring an efficient and positive electrical contact with the rail.

When it is desired to use the connector for establishing contact with a power cable or the like, the movable jaw member 22 is rotated over the shank 13 to dispose the lip 24 forwardly and over the recess or socket 25` the recess 25, which shoulder serves as a stop to limit movement of the slidable jaw 22 .under action of its spring 20. In this arrangement of theparts, shown in Figure 1, the power cable 32 is securely clamped between the Walls of the recess 25 and the inclined wedge face of the lip 24 formed as a part of the sliding: jaw member 22. With the exception of the insulator coverings 17 and 23, all parts of the device are made up preferably ot brass. The spring 2O is made of suitably tempered steel. Although certain details and materials have been specifically described as entering into the construction and operation ot the invention, l1 desire it to be understood that the same do not constitute limitations but that any desired changes and modifications may be employed in the structural details as will fall Within the scope of the invention as claimed.

I claim:

hind said movable jaw member, and alfor- Wardly and outwardly inclined clamping ele- In testimony whereof I aix my signature; HENRY C. HIERONYMUS.

1. A terminal hook comprising a fixed j aw member, a hook on said member, a recessed portion formed in said member, a shank extending integrally from said member, a handie secured to said shank, a movable jaw element slidable on said shankV between said handle and fixed jaw and rotatable on the shank, spring means between said handle and movable jaw for urging said movable jaw toward said fixed jaw, a contact lip'pr'ojecting from one face of said movable ]aw, and means on said fixed ]aW member for limiting movement of said movable jaw under act-ion of said spring means. 

